During the opening of the North Catasauqua Borough Council meeting Sept. 18, council President Peter Paone provided an official statement regarding the recent tragedy that occurred in the community. At the time of the meeting, there was an ongoing investigation into the Sept. 14 double homicide in the 1100 block of Railroad Street, North Catasauqua, which restricted what Paone was able to discuss.

The day after the meeting, Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck announced John Derwin Bradley, 17, of Schnecksville, had been charged with two counts of criminal homicide related to the Sept. 14 deaths of Rosalyn Siobal Glass, 39, and her 16-year-old daughter, Rianna Lynn Glass. They were found dead in their home at 1106 Railroad St.

Paone took the time to praise the hard work and dedication of the North Catasauqua Police Department, emergency management agency, public works department and borough staff whose “dedication and professionalism were on full display as they responded to this crime.”

Paone further extended recognition to the Pennsylvania State Police for leading the investigation and neighboring first responders from Catasauqua, Whitehall and Coplay who all assisted in this matter.

He moved on to discuss a second incident that occurred within the borough Sept. 16. The matter involved a large-scale water rescue in the Lehigh River, and again, multiple departments were called to assist. While specific details were not shared, North Catasauqua Fire Chief Roger Scheirer said the outcome was positive.

The rescue operation utilized forces from North Catasauqua’s fire and police departments; the fire departments of Catasauqua, Whitehall and Northampton; Lehigh County Emergency Management; Lehigh Township’s water rescue team; and Lehigh County Special Operations and Drone Team.

Paone extended specific thanks to North Catasauqua Police Chief Chris Wolfer, Scheirer and Catasauqua Fire Chief Richard Hertzog “for their devotion to duty and their exceptional efforts.”

He finished the statement by thanking the Lehigh County 911 center for its great efforts in ensuring that North Catasauqua had all the assistance needed for both incidents that occurred within the same week.

Wolfer extended gratitude to all who assisted his dedicated team and to Scheirer for being able to pull as many resources together as he did. Scheirer, similarly, thanked his group of volunteers and all neighboring departments that assisted during this intense week for the borough.

In other business, council voted to accept the formal resignation of treasurer Christina Czonstka. Paone said, despite rumors circulating, the true reason for the departure was that Czonstka believed she was not a good fit for the role.

Former Treasurer Annette Englert returned to the borough as a part-time employee to assist with the transition. Council also voted to formally post the borough treasurer position. If interested, more information on the position can be found on the North Catasauqua website.

Borough Secretary Tasha Jandrisovits announced trick or treat will be 6-8 p.m. Oct. 28; the rain date is Oct. 29.

In his report, Scheirer mentioned an inspection of fire engines 1811 and 1831 will take place. Both engines will need new tires to pass inspection as both sets of tires are as old as the vehicles, with engine 1831 being 13 years old. This will cost about $7,000 but is a necessity for the department. He hopes to have the vehicles returned before Oct. 4, when representatives will be coming out for aerial ladder testing.

Wolfer requested approval to apply for a Local Shared Account grant for a new patrol vehicle the borough needs. This would be a side-by-side two-seater vehicle that would have the capability of transporting prisoners. Council approved the application.

In other business, Bill Nothstein, from the North Catasauqua Betterment Committee, discussed new developments on the horizon for holiday fun.

Nothstein proposed the borough participate in a Trees in the Parkway event where multiple trees are displayed and decorated by community members for the holiday season. He mentioned the betterment and recreation committees have been working together to figure out how to approach this matter but needed official approval from council to move forward before any development would begin.

Trees in the Parkway would likely take place at North Catasauqua William J. Albert Memorial Park, 701 Grove St., but would not be ready until next year due to supplies and the logistics of displaying the trees.

Council approved a motion for the betterment and recreation committees to display two trees this year to give the public an idea and approved about 50 trees for the next holiday season.

Council next meets Oct. 2 at borough hall, 1066 Fourth St.